Hadong

하동

A picturesque riverside town along the Seomjin River famous for premium tea cultivation and natural beauty. The area offers scenic drives along the river and traditional tea houses.

Things to do

• Seomjin River Scenic Drive — Drive along the picturesque riverside route that winds through tea plantations and offers stunning valley views, especially beautiful during spring and autumn.
• Hadong Tea Plantation Visit — Tour the famous green tea fields on the slopes above the Seomjin River where you can learn about premium tea cultivation and purchase directly from producers.
• Hwagae Market — Browse this traditional riverside market known for local produce, wild vegetables, and tea products, best visited in the early morning.
• Seomjin River Bamboo Rafting — Experience a traditional bamboo raft ride down the gentle Seomjin River, offering a peaceful perspective of the surrounding landscape.
• Traditional Tea House Experience — Sit in a riverside tea house to taste freshly brewed Hadong green tea paired with light snacks while overlooking the water.
• Cheongsudong Valley Hiking — Hike through this scenic valley area featuring waterfalls and forested trails with views over the tea-covered hillsides.

Food to try

• Hadong Green Tea — The region's signature product is premium green tea grown on riverside slopes, best enjoyed fresh and often served in local tea houses with traditional snacks.
• Jjim (Steamed River Fish) — Fresh fish from the Seomjin River steamed with vegetables and soy-based sauce, a specialty of riverside restaurants in Hadong.
• Wild Vegetable Bibimbap — Rice topped with an assortment of foraged mountain vegetables, sesame oil, and gochujang, showcasing the region's natural bounty.
• Jogae-jun (Shellfish Pancakes) — Pan-fried flour-battered freshwater shellfish and vegetables from the Seomjin River, served as a local delicacy.
• Tea-infused Desserts — Local sweets and pastries made with Hadong green tea, including tea-flavored cookies and cakes available at market stalls.

Local customs & good to know

• Tea Picking Season (April-May) — Visit during spring to witness the vibrant tea harvest season when fields are most active and some plantations offer picking experiences for visitors.
• Respect for Tea Culture — In tea houses, observe the traditional preparation ritual and handle cups with both hands when receiving them as a sign of respect.
• Local Farm-to-Table Tradition — Many restaurants source ingredients from nearby farms and the river, so asking about daily specials showcases respect for the local agricultural heritage.
• Early Morning Market Etiquette — Arrive early at Hwagae Market to experience authentic local commerce and engage politely with vendors who appreciate courteous bargaining.